He is one of the few Bollywood personalities who made a mark in Hollywood. Director Shekhar Kapur, however, is on a new high nowadays for a very different reason—his teenaged daughter Kaveri, has impressed one and all with her compositions and singing. In an interview to thestatesman.com, Shekhar talks about Kaveri and the plans he has for her and himself. Excerpts:

What do you feel about Kaveri’s third single titled ‘Again’?

I absolutely love it. Kaveri is growing with each song. She was only 13 when she first wrote it. And it was amazing that someone so young could write and compose like this. She will come out with her next soon!

What do you think moved or influenced Kaveri to take to singing?

It came from within her. There was no hint this might happen. One day, it just bubbled out and then became an uncontainable urge within her. If you observe her, you realise that she sees poetry and compositions all around her. I do remember she was obsessed with space and geology when she was only seven. She would pick up a stone and start telling me how it was created and from where. Then one day we discovered that she was writing songs. No one can teach to write compositions that can be compared to the best in the world.

Besides singing, is acting on her mind?

Kaveri, like her parents, is fiercely individualistic. She rejected any offers that came in. It just was not on her radar. But she is warming up to it now. But honestly, when she is ready, she will just start doing it. Kaveri refuses to do anything till it comes from the heart. When it does, she will just start doing it. We just have to wait for her.

Can you throw some light on the bond you share with your daughter?

She is now my reason to be. Like a kite in a raging storm, I was on an uncaring adventure of life. Kaveri came along and pulled at my string. She earthed me. She is both, my Earth Mother, and my Heavenly Child.

What is your view on the evolution of soundtracks in Indian cinema?

I think the rise of independent music is amazing. For too long, music was dominated by Bollywood. I am amazed and proud of what companies like Qyuki are doing. They are providing a platform and nurturing a new voice—a voice of independence. A voice of exploring new creativity.

After ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’, there are talks that you are all set to direct American TV series, Cleopatra. Is this true?

Yes, Cleopatra is on my radar, but right now, I am concentrating on first finishing the projects I already have.

Your admirers have been waiting for ages to see a Hindi film directed by you. Can we expect a Bollywood movie coming from you anytime soon?

A Hindi/Indian film is not the same as a Bollywood film. Why box yourself into a cliche? I would love to make a film in India without it being contained in a cliche called Bollywood.

If given a chance, would you like to direct Kaveri in a film?

She only has to say the word, I will leave everything to do that. But the word must come from her. She has just agreed to let me direct her next music video, so there is hope!